Christmas is probably the toughest time to try cutting down on your spending. It’s the party season of the year with lots of get-togethers, dinners and drinks. And then there is of course the yearly marathon shopping for Christmas gifts. With the following saving tips you don’t have to despair and can enjoy the true meaning of Christmas.
1. Christmas Cards
It’s ok no to send Christmas cards this year if it’s not in your budget. Your friends and family will understand. But if you do want to send them consider buying postcards or write letters instead of Christmas cards. They are cheaper and cost less in postage stamps. You can also reuse your Christmas cards from last year by cutting them in half and sending the pretty side. It saves you money and is environmentally friendly.
2. Wrapping paper
You don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy wrapping paper. You can simply wrap small presents with pretty magazine pages. Used wrapping paper that is left over from the last birthday will do a great job, too. They work well for small presents where the previously folded lines won’t even show. If the wrapping paper has the wrong theme you can just turn them over and decorate the plain side yourself. Your children will love to create their own wrapping paper.
3. Present tags
You can make your own present tags by cutting small pieces of wrapping paper and folding them in half. Write the “to” and “from” on the inside of the paper and tape it to the wrapped present. This also works with any other scraps of paper.
4. Decorations
The Christmas feeling often comes with the right decoration but it doesn’t have to tear a hole in your wallet. Simply use nature to give your home the wintery touch. Pinecones and acorns are great decorations. The same goes for mistletoes and any conifer twigs.
You could also decorate the old-fashioned way. Make some popcorn and string them up all over your house. Add some cranberries in between the popcorn for some colour. If you can’t do without Christmas lights and other decorations, buy in the sales just before or shortly after the holidays. You will get them at a small fraction of what they originally cost.
5. Entertainment
Christmas is the time for family and friends. It’s nice to take your children out for a fun day but it doesn’t always have to be an expensive trip to the ice rink. Go for a walk around your town to check out the Christmas lights. Some houses are decorated spectacularly. If it’s too cold outside, stay at home, cosy up in the living room and tell family stories. Or create a new Christmas book where everyone contributes a chapter. Another great way of entertaining your family is with board games. If you don’t have many board games at home, maybe you can borrow some from your friends and neighbours. Your children will love to spend time with you!
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